We welcome you aboard to explore our new horizons. Peter Bissett, Founder/CEO CRUISE TYPE CRUISE DESCRIPTION NIGHTS DATE

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1 Vanuatu Cruises and charters 2015 / 2016

2 My life has always been involved with ships and the sea. The love affair continued to when I owned and operated merchant ships trading in New Zealand, Japan and the Far East. I sold these companies in 2001 and retired to spend more time with my wife and family. After 3 years I needed to be more active. I decided it was the right time to establish my dream company along with my dream passenger ship Island Passage. I have never enjoyed business as much as I do these days. I especially love spending time onboard and meeting guests who have become friends returning time and again to partake in the Island Escape Experience. We have an outstanding purpose built ship serving fabulous destinations that our guests absolutely love to visit. Most importantly, we have a superb team of people who love to over-deliver our cruising products in Vanuatu. Our 2015/2016 annual brochure presents a selection of the best small ship cruising Vanuatu has to offer. All of our cruises are hand-designed by our captains and myself to ensure your safety, comfort and satisfaction. For a beautiful one or two-week cruise, or perhaps a charter with friends, family or business associates, then please do give our team a call. We welcome you aboard to explore our new horizons. Peter Bissett, Founder/CEO CRUISE TYPE CRUISE DESCRIPTION NIGHTS DATE Secrets of Vanuatu Santo to Santo 7 Nights 03 May 2015 Secrets of Vanuatu Santo to Santo 7 Nights 10 May 2015 Secrets of Vanuatu Santo to Santo 7 Nights 17 May 2015 Secrets of Vanuatu Santo to Santo 7 Nights 24 May 2015 Secrets of Vanuatu Santo to Santo 7 Nights 31 May 2015 Spirit of Vanuatu Santo to Santo 12 Nights 07 Jun 2015 Secrets of Vanuatu Santo to Santo 7 Nights 21 Jun 2015 Secrets of Vanuatu Santo to Santo 7 Nights 28 Jun 2015 Secrets of Vanuatu Santo to Santo 7 Nights 05 Jul 2015 Spirit of Vanuatu Santo to Santo 12 Nights 12 Jul 2015

3 your Ships layout Island Escape Cruises is continually voted as a leader in luxury small ship cruising. With just 24 passengers onboard you ll discover a perfectly formed elegant travel experience with cruises in Vanuatu and New Zealand. We invite you to come along cruising with us and be relaxed, be spoilt, be pampered and be totally amazed island passage K = King Q = Queen T = Twin Q/T = Queen or Twin Promenade deck Ocean Suites / stateroom The Terrace The Anchorage 5 3 Length 42.0 metres, Width 12.8 metres, Draft 2.3 metres, GRT 498 tonnes 3 Kawau (T) 4 Motutapu (T) 5 Pakatoa (Q) 6 Rakino (Q) 7 Aotea (Q) Bridge deck Bridge Suites Main deck staterooms Runaway (K) 2 Reinga (K) 8 Waimate (Q) 9 Tiri Tiri (Q/T) 10 Colville (T) 11 Jellicoe (Q/T) 12 Rangitoto (Q) 3

4 Suites and Cabins We designed oversized suites and cabins, generous en-suites, wide halls and decks to prevent any feeling of being cramped. We wanted an experience designed around the little details that really mattered; fine linens, ever changing selection of French toiletries, natural soaps and shampoos, nightly turndown service with delicious chocolates and bottled water, the fresh smell of flowers, ample lighting, storage and seating areas with individually controlled air conditioning. BRIDGE SUITES Reinga, Runaway Suite size 22 sqm (235 sq ft) Located on the bridge deck these two suites feature super king size beds, large panoramic windows and a door with access direct to the outer teak deck. A large en-suite, writing desk, armchair and in-cabin entertainment make our best suites regular favourites. ocean suites Kawau, Pakatoa, Motutapu, Rakino Suite size 18 sqm (195 sq ft) On the promenade deck, with the dining and saloon area on the same level, these four suites are extremely popular. They feature queen or twin beds, large viewing windows with a door directly onto the outer teak deck, large en-suites, writing desk and in-cabin entertainment. 4

5 Staterooms Rangitoto, Colville, Jellicoe, Tiri Tiri, Waimate Cabin size 16 sqm (175 sq ft) Located on the main deck with less ship movement, these five staterooms are either twin or queen in configuration. Each stateroom has two large portholes with views and natural light, generous sized en-suites and in-cabin entertainment. solo cabins Aotea Cabin size 12 sqm (130 sq ft) Absolutely perfect for a passenger travelling alone. This cabin is light, roomy and has a queen size bed, two large windows, beautiful en-suite, in-cabin entertainment and as with all our cabins and suites it features original New Zealand artwork. I expected to give my wife a holiday and instead we both came away having experienced Vanuatu in a way I could have never expected. mark 5

6 Life onboard The ship is very large for just 24 passengers. She excels with very spacious cabins, very generous en-suites, an enormous interior dining and saloon area plus an expansive aft deck where guests spend a large amount of their time. There is no feeling onboard of being cramped. The result is more like being onboard a luxury private yacht. Live life island escape style Our officers and crew are extremely well trained to ensure your safety and comfort. Several are from the super-yacht industry and understand your needs well in advance. Our housekeeping crew aim to present the ship as if you are the first guests ever to step onboard. We do our utmost to provide perfection at all levels. Our guides transfer you ashore with bottled waters, snacks, sun screen, beach towels, daily sterilised snorkel gear, kayaks and, just in case things don t go as planned, first aid kits. For outdoor entertainment, our ship carries a purpose-built landing craft, large tenders, sea kayaks, fishing and snorkelling equipment. The helicopter is available for trips beyond the range of the tenders or as required. Never a dull moment, although lazing in a deckchair is always an acceptable option. During each trip, our ten-person crew is on hand to share their knowledge of the ocean and the local activities. Our landing craft and tenders are designed to provide fast and efficient transport to and from the ship and are well suited for exploring the local bays, islands, and rivers that are right on your doorstep. All boats are manned with guides, two-way radios and safety equipment for your peace of mind. We know that you will enjoy our ship and the experience of life onboard. 6

7 cuisine and wines Relaxation, exceptional food and fine wines are an essential part of your cruise. Fresh air not only clears your mind, it makes you hungry. Simply put, our two chefs are dedicated to ensure that every meal be magnificent. Local seafood, maybe even some that you caught yourself is featured daily. You ll enjoy other delicacies and organic artisan foods produced locally. The best New Zealand organic lamb and beef, fresh produce selected from local farmer s markets, award winning cheeses and all presented by chefs with a strong European flair. Our on-board wine cellar is brimming with a selection of award winning Australian and New Zealand wines. This is constantly being updated with new releases together with a revolving collection that is personally selected from our favourite boutique vineyards. We also carry a wide selection of juices, beers and spirits. You won t need to remember the recipe for your favourite aperitif; we are well versed in the magic of mixology. Our bar is open well into the wee small hours. Dinner is usually served in The Anchorage, or if you wish, alfresco on The Terrace under the stars. Breakfast and lunch are usually served on The Terrace, so that you won t miss a minute of the beautiful scenery. Complimentary wine is served with dinner *Our creative chefs cater for most special dietary requirements 7

8 Typical Dinner Menu Breads Donnie s Homestyle Rolls Entreé Prawns with jamon and spinach risotto served with bouillabaisse foam Crispy seafood basket with creamy vanilla sauce Main Course Espiritu Santo beef tenderloin served with whipped mustard mash potato, snake beans, wine crumbs and bacon foam Fish of the day with choko gratin served with market vegetables and a herb butter sauce Dessert Butterscotch budino with caramel and whipped cream Chocolate brandy mousse with crème chantilly After Dinner Liqueurs Kahlua, Baileys, Taylor s 10 year old Port, Tia Maria, Cointreau, Drambuie, Cognac Beverage Freshly brewed Tanna coffee Selection of Twinings Tea...We had the most wonderful time on the February cruise of the Bay of Islands. It s nearly impossible to say how much we enjoyed it, and how thrilled we were with the ship, the crew, the itinerary, the food, everything was absolutely marvellous. Sue Brendan, Australia 8

9 spirit of vanuatu Departures: June/July 2015 Twelve Night Cruise Package We will show you these amazing islands of northern Vanuatu on this comprehensive 12-night Vanuatu Cruise package. You will visit villages that rarely see cruise ships or western civilization. These cruises visit the world famous Pentecost land divers (June cruises), the enthralling Rom dances and allow the opportunity of acquiring wonderful artifacts and carvings along the way. One night pre-cruise and two nights post-cruise in Port Vila resorts Cape Quiros Espiritu Santo Champagne Beach Riri Riri River Home base Luganville AORE MALO malakula South West Bay Wala Island AMbae Maewo Pentecost Asanvari Waterfall Village Land Diving Ranon Maskelyne Islands AMBRYN Day 1 Port Vila Day 2 Espiritu Santo Day 3 Aese Island, Riri River Day 4 Hog Harbour Day 5 Champagne Beach Day 6 Asanvari Harbour Day 7 Penetcost/Land Diving Day 8 Ranon, Ambryn Day 9 Crab Bay, Malakula Day 10 Malo Island Day 11 Espiritu Santo Day 12 Port Vila Last Day Port Vila Sunday Day 1 On arrival at Port Vila you will be met by Seth Melsul and transferred to the Grand Hotel in the heart of the city. Perhaps a refreshing swim in the beautiful pool that overlooks the harbour before venturing out for dinner. A short 2-minute boat ride away is Michener s Restaurant on Iririki Island or Cafe du Village which is on the waterfront next to the hotel. 9

10 Monday Day 2 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner You have the morning free, a swim after breakfast and then explore more of Vila. Seth will collect you in the afternoon and transfer you to the airport for the flight to Santo. On arrival one of the crew will meet and transfer you directly to the Island Passage. Meet the crew, become familiar with the ship and the safety briefing. Shortly after departure, dinner is served. Welcome to our Paradise. Tuesday Day 3 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner This morning there is the opportunity to snorkel over a fabulous coral reef only metres from the ship. It s an unforgettable experience we take you up current in the tenders so that you can drift over gardens of coral that are inhabited by a myriad of tropical fish. On the same day, you ll venture up the Riri River in a dugout canoe to discover the miraculous blue holes deep, clear freshwater springs that bubble up into the river. You ve never seen the colour blue quite like this. A refreshing swim is almost compulsory! The rest of your day can include as much activity as you wish: sightseeing from the tenders; exploring the shoreline; perhaps a trip with one of our fishing guides. Or simply relaxing in a steamer chair as you adjust to island time and get pampered Island Passage style. Tonight will be spent at anchor off the pristine beaches of Mavea Island. Wednesday Day 4 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner After enjoying another one of chef s indulgent breakfasts there s still time for a swim or a walk before we up anchor and make our way north through even more beautiful islands, arriving in Hog Harbour in the late afternoon. For those onboard keen to experience the thrill of fishing tropical style this is a good opportunity. Our guides in the fishing tender will shadow the ship up the coast in search of the game fish that the area is known for. On the right day the results can be spectacular with tuna, wahoo, and mahi mahi often landed. The views as we cruise north are unforgettable. If conditions are right some of our local friends will deliver a basket of local lobster. The evening sunset brings the day to a close with the Captains Dinner. Thursday Day 5 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Today, your cruise adventure will see you landing on world famous Champagne Beach said to be the most beautiful beach in the world which promises the bluest water, whitest sand and greenest jungle it s just breathtaking. You can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, kayak and chat with the local pareu sellers. Later today we cross the straits to explore Maewo and Pentecost. 10

11 spirit of vanuatu How do we ever begin to say thank you! Richard and Lyn Corbett Friday Day 6 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner In Asanvari you ll get a look at the ni-vanuatu way of life. You ll also get to know their sense of humour because smiling and laughing are major pastimes here. You can watch a custom dance, chat with the locals, and learn how to cook lap-lap, walk to the village gardens, and visit a beautiful waterfall or snorkel in the protected lagoon. And make sure you check out the Asanvari Yacht Club. When you arrive back on board, it s time for the Captain s Cocktail Party. Tonight we stay at anchor in this fabulous bay. Saturday Day 7 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner After breakfast, the ship gets underway to sail south to Wali Village. We are greeted (June sailings) by the villagers in traditional wear and led to the edge of the forest where the 60-metre high land diving tower has been constructed from palm trees that are lashed together with flax. The local women wailing precede the ceremony and the dance is a semi-hypnotic trance. You will leave in awe. We then move down the coast to Waterfall Village. Our local host will introduce you to this community. You are taken into the village as if you are part of it - and some dont want to leave. From the Chief s heartfelt welcome to your traditional kava farewell, you will be enthralled. Dinner is served as we lay at anchor just off the village. Sunday Day 8 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Today is a very special day, and as we anchor off Ranon on Ambrym Island you will immediately notice what makes this island so unique. Today the locals have extended us a special invitation to experience the secretive and mystical Rom dance, a performance rarely seen by outsiders. There will be ample time to spend with these wonderful and very friendly people before returning to the ship. This evening, at anchor, we witness the amazing glow of the nearby volcanoes. Monday Day 9 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner After a relaxing start to the morning, perhaps taking a swim before breakfast, we then head south towards the small but beautiful Wala Island. This remote, densely vegetated island will excite anyone with an interest in anthropology. Cut off from their larger neighbour, Malakula, by a deep channel, Wala is remarkably untouched by modern culture astounding considering its welcoming inhabitants, wondrous environs, world class snorkelling and fascinating ancient traditions. Visit the local market to pick up some handicrafts, then cool off with a swim or snorkel off one of the beautiful beaches. Tuesday Day 10 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Today we are continuing north and with the trade winds behind us it makes for pleasant cruising through the outer islands off Santo. The fishing is good through the channels so we can expect to please chef by towing a lure behind the ship. There are many secluded anchorages in this area and we will look at the weather to find the perfect sheltered bay to spend the evening. Another swim or walk ashore before the farewell dinner with the crew. Make sure that you have exchanged addresses with fellow travellers before retiring for the night. Wednesday Day 11 Breakfast On the way to Santo Wharf we serve a continental breakfast before you disembark at 9am. We transfer you to the airport for the flight back to Port Vila. Seth will meet you in Vila and transfer you to the Le Lagon Resort in time for lunch and a swim at the pool. Thursday Day 12 Breakfast The resort offer a full buffet breakfast on the Terrace each day. You have a free day and have complimentary use of kayaks, windsurfing, snorkeling, catamarans, day tennis, gym access and green fees on our 12-hole golf course. Friday Last Day Breakfast Your final day may be used for some duty free and last minute present shopping from the city. Seth will collect you and drive you to the airport for check-in 2 hours before your flight home. Thank you for coming with us and we look forward to seeing you onboard again in the future. 11

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13 secrets of vanuatu Departures: May/June/July 2015 Seven Night Cruise Package On our Secrets of Vanuatu cruise package, you can visit villages that rarely see ships or western civilization, explore remote islands and beaches, swim, snorkel and bask in clean tropical waters. The wonderful Ni-Vanuatu people will make you welcome and introduce you to their unique culture. We have added one night precruise in a Port Vila resort. Cape Quiros Champagne Beach Espiritu Santo Riri Riri River Home base Luganville AORE MALO AMbae malakula Maewo Asanvari Waterfall Village Pentecost Ranon AMBRYN Day 1 Port Vila Day 2 espiritu Santo Day 3 Aese Island, Riri River Day 4 Hog Harbour Day 5 Champagne Beach Day 6 Asanvari Harbour Day 7 Pentecost Island Day 8 espiritu Santo Sunday Day 1 On arrival at Port Vila you will be met by Seth Melsul and transferred to the Grand Hotel in the heart of the city. Perhaps a refreshing swim in the beautiful pool that overlooks the harbour before venturing out for dinner. A short 2-minute boat ride away is Michener s Restaurant on Iririki Island or Cafe du Village which is on the waterfront next to the hotel. Monday Day 2 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner You have the morning free, a swim after breakfast and then explore more of Vila. Seth will collect you in the afternoon and transfer you to the airport 13

14 for the 40-minute domestic flight to Santo. On arrival Tim Rovu and one of the crew will meet and transfer you directly to the Island Passage for immediate boarding, meet the crew, become familiar with the ship and the safety briefing. Shortly after the 7pm departure, dinner is served as the ship heads around million-dollar point and the beautiful coast of Santo beckons. Welcome to our Paradise. Tuesday Day 3 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner This morning, there s the opportunity to snorkel over a fabulous coral reef only metres from the ship. It s an unforgettable experience we ll take you up current in the tender, so that you can drift over gardens of coral inhabited by a myriad of tropical fishes. On the same day, you ll venture up the Riri River in a dugout canoe to discover the miraculous blue holes deep, clear freshwater springs that bubble up into the river. You ve never seen the colour blue quite like this. A refreshing swim is almost compulsory! The rest of your day can include as much activity as you wish: sightseeing from the tenders; exploring the shoreline; perhaps a trip with one of our fishing guides. Or simply relaxing in a steamer chair as you adjust to island time and get pampered Island Passage style. Tonight will be spent at anchor off the pristine beaches of Mavea Island. Wednesday Day 3 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner After enjoying another one of chef s indulgent breakfasts there s still time for a swim or a walk before we up anchor and make our way north through even more beautiful island, arriving in Hog Harbour in the late afternoon. For those onboard keen to experience the thrill of fishing tropical style this is the first opportunity. Our guides in the fishing tender will shadow the ship up the coast in search of the game fish that the area is known for. On the right day the results can be spectacular with tuna, wahoo, and mahi mahi often landed. The views as we cruise north are unforgettable. If conditions are right some of our local friends will deliver a basket of local lobster. The evening sunset brings the day to a close with the Captains Dinner. Thursday Day 4 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Today, your Vanuatu Cruise Adventure will see you landing on world famous Champagne Beach said to be the most beautiful beach in the world which promises the bluest water, whitest sand and greenest jungle it s just breathtaking. You can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, kayak and chat with the local pareu sellers. Later today we cross the straits to explore Maewo and Pentecost. The cruise was amazing, we loved the ship, the crew, the food, the location, everything. We feel so privileged to be given the opportunity to be a part of this. Rhonda & Stephen, NSW Australia 14

15 secrets of vanuatu Friday Day 5 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner We re welcomed into the village of Asanvari, which is situated above a beautiful lagoon at the southern end of Maewo. This intriguing settlement has a charismatic leader known simply as Chief Nelson. We ll say no more about the chief, in case it spoils the surprise! In Asanvarai you ll get a look at the ni-vanuatu way of life. You ll also get to know their sense of humour because smiling and laughing are major pastimes here. You can watch a custom dance, chat with the locals, learn how to cook lap-lap, walk to the village gardens, and visit a beautiful waterfall or snorkel in the protected lagoon. And make sure you check out the Asanvari Yacht Club. When you arrive back on board, it s time for the Captain s Cocktail Party. We remain at anchor in this fabulous bay overnight. Saturday Day 6 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner After breakfast, the ship gets underway to sail south to Waterfall Village. Our local host will introduce you to the wonderful people of South Pentecost. You ll be taken into the village as if you were part of it. From the Chief s heartfelt welcome to your traditional Vanuatu kava farewell, you ll be enthralled. All our guests agree that this is a very special place. Your last dinner aboard is served as we lie at anchor just off the village. Late in the evening we get underway with the trade winds on our quarter, passing between Bokissa and Aore Islands as we head back towards Santo. This is a day you will remember for years to come. Sunday Day 7 Breakfast We have you disembarking after breakfast at 9am. We transfer you to the airport for early flights or have arranged for you to use the pool and restaurant facilities at Aore Resort close to where the ship is berthed for those taking later afternoon flights home. There is a direct flight from Santo to Brisbane at 5:30 pm this afternoon. We will transfer you to be at the airport at least two hours before your departure time. Thank you for joining us and we sincerely hope to see you onboard Island Passage again in future. We look forward to returning to Vanuatu again and when we do it will be with Island Passage. We will be telling our friends, our travel agent and anyone else that will listen. Mike and Leanne, Queensland 15

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17 island escape cruises limited Telephone: Facsimile: NZ Freephone: Australia Freephone: info@islandescape.co.nz 6 Kent St, Newmarket, Auckland 1023, New Zealand. Preferred Travel Professional